Table of Contents
Overview
________________________________________3
Coding
________________________________________4
Coding Overview
Procedure Coding
Device Coding
Additional Coding Information
Coverage
________________________________________10
Payment
________________________________________11
Payment Overview
Medicare Payment
Physicians
Facilities
Private Payer Payment
Physicians
Facilities
Overview
This guide provides coding and billing information for facilities and physicians submitting claims for procedures using the iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent (the “iStent”).
Approved Indication
The iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent Model GTS100R/L is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in subjects with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma currently treated with ocular hypotensive medication.
Disclaimer
This reimbursement resource is intended to provide health care professionals with information related to billing, coding, and reimbursement requirements that may apply to Glaukos® products. This guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended, nor does it constitute, reimbursement or legal advice. Using codes identified here does not guarantee coverage or payment at any specific level and is not intended to increase or maximize payment by any payer1. Laws, regulations and coverage policies are complex and updated frequently. Reimbursement policies also vary widely from payer to payer and will reflect different patient conditions. You should check current laws and regulations, as well as different payer policies to confirm the most current coverage, coding or billing requirements. Any questions should be directed to your attorney or reimbursement specialist. The health care professional is responsible for all aspects of reimbursement, including using codes that accurately reflect the patient's condition, procedures performed, and products used, and ensuring the veracity of all claims submitted to third party payers.
1
Coding
Coding Overview
Medical billing codes convert a narrative description of a procedure, device, drug or disease into an alphanumeric or numeric code. Healthcare providers use these codes on payers’ claim forms to report medical services rendered to patients. When submitting claims to Medicare and other third party payers, facilities (e.g., hospitals and ASCs) and physicians list codes that describe a patient’s condition and procedures performed.
The following sections of this guide will review codes that may be appropriate for billing the iStent and associated procedures. However, providers are ultimately responsible for choosing diagnosis and procedure codes that accurately describe the patient’s condition, underlying disease and treatment. The key to coding and billing payers to reimburse providers for services rendered is to fully disclose how a product was used and what procedures were necessary to deploy and remove products.
Table 1 provides an overview of the types of codes most commonly used when billing for the iStent and associated procedures.
Table 1: Reimbursement Code Overview
CODE TYPES CODE DESCRIPTION
Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT)2 codes
Describes procedures performed. Used on
claims submitted by physicians, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) and Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPD)
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Describes items used in a patient’s treatment, such as devices or drugs
International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes
Describes patient condition or underlying disease
Revenue codes Describes the location where a procedure was performed, and the type of item, if applicable
Procedure Coding
Category I CPT codes are 5-digit numeric, permanent codes used to describe established procedures or
services.
Category III CPT codes are temporary codes that describe emerging technologies or services. Category
III CPT codes allow for data collection and tracking for these specific services/procedures and if available, Category III CPT codes must be reported instead of unlisted Category I CPT codes. Physicians and facilities need to establish a charge amount to be submitted with a Category III CPT code.
Both Category I and Category III CPT codes are eligible for coverage and reimbursement by payers.
2
When submitted on claims, Category III CPT codes are often subject to manual review by payers because they need to make a determination regarding medical necessity and therefore payment. Coverage and reimbursement are not guaranteed, and using such codes often requires that additional documentation be submitted to payers in order to prove the medical necessity of the procedure performed.
Using Category III CPT codes may require submitting additional documentation to payers to assess medical necessity and determine appropriate payment levels. Such documentation may include:
A letter of medical necessity
Product description, including FDA approval letter
The patient’s medical records
A copy of the surgical/operative report with clear documentation of the procedure in question having been performed
Clinical literature
iStent Procedure Coding (Physicians and Facilities)
Table 2 identifies possible CPT code(s) that may be used to describe the iStent implantation procedure. Category III CPT code 0191T, which describes the insertion of glaucoma drainage devices using an ab interno approach, became effective for use July 1, 2008. Although this code may be applicable, it is important to remember physicians and facilities are responsible for accurately selecting CPT procedure codes to describe the procedures performed. Since they are considered temporary codes, it may be necessary to submit additional documentation proving medical necessity for the procedure.
Table 2: Potential CPT Code(s)
CPT CODE DESCRIPTION
0191T Insertion of anterior segment aqueous drainage device, without extraocular reservoir, internal approach, into the trabecular meshwork
Cataract Procedure Coding (Physicians and Facilities)
The iStent device is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery. Standard cataract surgery with implantation of an IOL is most commonly reported with CPT code 66984, although a number of other CPT codes may apply depending on the actual services performed. When implanting the iStent in conjunction with cataract surgery described by a code other than 66984, check with the payer in advance to
determine coverage and request a prior authorization if possible.
Table 3: Potential CPT Code(s)
CPT CODE DESCRIPTION
66982
Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (e.g., irrigation and
aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (e.g., iris expansion device, suture support for intraocular lens, or primary posterior capsulorrhexis) or performed on patients in the amblyogenic developmental stage
66983 Intracapsular cataract extraction with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure)
66984
Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (e.g., irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification)
Device Coding (Facilities Only)
Level II HCPCS codes are 5-character alphanumeric codes that include a single letter followed by four numbers. They are primarily used to identify a variety of medical supplies, drugs and equipment. HCPCS codes are billed by facilities and should not be included on claims for physician services only. Table 4 below identifies the possible HCPCS code(s) that may be used by ASCs and HOPDs to report the iStent device. Facilities are ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate code to report the iStent device.
Table 4: Potential HCPCS Code(s)
HCPCS CODE DESCRIPTION
C1783 . Ocular implant, aqueous drainage assist device
Additional Coding Information
Modifiers
Depending on the actual procedure(s) performed with the iStent, it may be necessary to append certain modifiers to procedure codes indicated on claim forms. Modifiers are designed to provide payers with additional information that may be necessary in order to process claims.
Modifiers are used to clarify the intent, duration, or scope of a billed procedure. Modifiers are 2-digit alphanumeric codes appended to CPT codes when necessary to indicate the procedure performed was modified in some way from its original definition.
Using modifiers when not necessary may actually disrupt claim payment. There are two modifiers that are commonly misused to describe multiple procedures:
Modifier -51is used to indicate that multiple procedures were performed during the same surgical
session.3 This modifier is not applicable for outpatient hospitals and ASCs under Medicare4; however, Modifier -51 may be applicable for use on the physician claim. Providers should
always check with payer for local guidance on the proper use of modifiers.
3
AMA, 2012 CPT Professional Edition, 2012
4
CPT Assistant, Coding Communication: Hospital Outpatient Reporting Part V, Use of CPT Modifiers 25, 27, 50,
Modifier -59 is used in circumstances that require the provider to indicate when separate
procedures are performed on more than one anatomical location/site of the body.5 This modifier would not be appropriate when billing for cataract surgery and the iStent procedure. Providers
should always check with payer for local guidance on the proper use of modifiers.
Discontinued Use Cases
Sometimes iStent® cases have to be cancelled intraoperatively due to unforeseen clinical conditions that occur after the iStent® package has been opened.
There are modifier codes that may be used for
coding a cancelled or discontinued procedure.
For the Facility:
Modifier -74 Discontinued Out-Patient/Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Procedure After Administration of Anesthesia: Due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the
well-being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc.). Under these circumstances, the
procedure started but terminated and can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74.
Note: The elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical
preparation of the patient should not be reported. For the Surgeon:
Modifier -53 Discontinued Procedure: Under certain circumstances, the physician or other
qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. Due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. This circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure.
Note: The elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical
preparation of the patient should not be reported.
Healthcare providers may consider the coding options listed in Table 5 (next page) and select appropriate modifiers based on the procedure(s) performed. Please note that commercial payers may have different billing requirements.
5
Table 5: Potential Modifiers*
MODIFIER DESCRIPTION
RT Used to indicate that the procedure was performed on the right side of the body LT Used to indicate that the procedure was performed on the left side of the body *This table is not inclusive. Modifier use will differ based on the clinical scenario and procedures
performed.
Revenue Codes
Revenue codes are three-digit numeric codes reported on a UB-04 facility claim form to describe general categories of provided services and items furnished to a patient in a facility setting. Facilities are required to report revenue codes to provide a description of the specific service or item related to each revenue code reported. Revenue codes are used for tracking purposes and are not reimbursable.
Table 6 identifies possible revenue code(s) that may be used to report the iStent device in the HOPD setting of care.
Table 6: Potential Revenue Code(s)
SETTING OF CARE DEVICE CODE DESCRIPTION
Hospital Outpatient 274 Prosthetic implant Diagnosis Codes
The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes are listed on hospital and physician claims to report a patient’s medical condition. Payers use this information to evaluate the episode of care and determine whether or not a treatment was appropriate. ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes are used in all settings of care.
Table 7 includes ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes that describe conditions that may be reported on iStent claim forms.
Table 7: Potential ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Codes
ICD-9-CM Code Description
365.10 Open angle glaucoma, unspecified 365.11 Primary open angle glaucoma
The ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes listed in this table may be commonly associated with iStent patients but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible diagnosis codes. Please refer to the ICD-9-CM book for a comprehensive list of diagnosis codes. For specific payers, other diagnosis codes may support medical necessity. Always check with each individual Payer to determine which diagnosis codes support medical necessity for 0191T.
Glaucoma Staging Codes
reported. Table 8 includes ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes that describe conditions which may be reported on iStent claim forms.
Table 8: Potential ICD-9-CM Glaucoma Staging Codes
ICD-9-CM Code Description
365.71
Mild or early stage glaucoma (defined as optic nerve abnormalities
consistent with glaucoma but no visual field abnormalities on any white-on-white visual field test, or abnormalities present only on short-wavelength automated perimetry or frequency-doubling perimetry)
365.72
Moderate-stage glaucoma (optic nerve abnormalities consistent with glaucoma and glaucomatous visual field abnormalities in one hemifield, and not within 5 degrees of fixation)
Coverage
To be a covered service, iStent use must meet the requirements established by Medicare and other third party payers. Their coverage policies are available in either benefit policy manuals (Medicare) or
insurance contracts (private payers) which identify the products and services eligible for payment. Health insurers generally provide coverage for services when they are medically reasonable and necessary for treatment or diagnosis of illness or injury.
The iStent represents the latest technology in treating glaucoma and, like other new technologies, is in the early stages of securing widespread coverage from payers. Currently all Medicare Administrative Contractors have established positive coverage guidelines for the iStent. United Healthcare, Aetna, several local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and other local carriers have also established positive
coverage guidelines for the iStent. Glaukos continues to work with payers to obtain specific guidance on the iStent for its customers. Please check with your local Glaukos Regional Business Manager for the latest updates on coverage policies in your area.
In the absence of established coverage policies, payers will review claims and determine coverage on a case-by-case basis. Private payers may need to be contacted to obtain prior authorization before performing procedure(s). Additionally, because Category III CPT codes are often used to identify emerging technology, insurers unfamiliar with the iStent may request additional materials to support coverage when submitting claims.
Payment
Payment Overview
Healthcare providers are granted payment for products and services they provide to patients during an episode of care. Two types of payments are generally made: a payment for facility resources and a payment for professional services. Facilities such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are paid for the resources used in an episode of care. Physicians are paid for the services they provide in treating patients.
Medicare Payment
Physician Payment
Medicare provides payment to physicians for services based on a fee schedule called the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). CMS assigns national payment rates on the MPFS for Category I CPT codes. Since Category III CPT codes typically reflect new and emerging technologies, CMS does not establish national payment rates on the MPFS for these types of procedures.
Payment for Category III CPT codes will be determined by individual Medicare contractors on a case-by-case basis. Physicians need to establish a charge amount to submit with these types of codes. Claims for professional services submitted under Category III CPT codes are often manually reviewed by payers. The payment methodology for a procedure submitted under a Category III CPT code varies. In some instances, Medicare will calculate payment based on the amount charged on the claim. In other cases, payment will be determined by comparing work involved with implantation of the iStent to other similar procedures.
To determine the payment amount for specific codes on the MPFS, visit the Medicare MPFS Lookup feature on the CMS website: http://www.cms.gov/PFSlookup/
Facility Payment
Medicare pays ASCs for services under a prospective payment system called the ASC Payment System. Under this payment system, Medicare assigns procedure codes, which may be performed in the ASC setting of care, to an ASC payment group. This group determines the amount a facility will be paid by Medicare for services provided.
To determine the payment amount for the iStent procedure and associated cataract procedure in the ASC and to obtain additional information related to the ASC Payment System, visit the CMS website:
http://www.cms.gov/center/asc.asp
Medicare pays hospitals for outpatient services under a prospective payment system: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS).
To determine the payment amount for the iStent procedure and associated cataract procedures in the HOPD and to obtain additional information related to HOPPS, visit the CMS website:
http://www.cms.gov/HospitalOutpatientPPS/01_overview.asp Table 8: APC assignment for CPT 0191T
APC DESCRIPTION
0673 Level V Anterior Segment Eye Procedures
Although there is a HCPCS code that can be used to bill for the iStent device itself (i.e., C1783), Medicare does not provide separate payment for the device. Under Medicare, payment for the iStent and other implantable devices is bundled into the payment for the implantation procedure itself in the ASC and HOPD. It is still important that facilities include the iStent device on their claim forms to payers as
this permits appropriate tracking of the full costs of the procedure(s).
Private Payer Payment
Physician Payment
Private payers typically establish their own payment rates for services and procedures and may provide this information on a publicly accessible fee schedule.
As with Medicare, payment for Category III CPT codes is determined by private payers on a case-by-case basis. Physicians need to establish a charge amount to submit with these types of codes. Claims for professional services submitted under Category III CPT codes are often manually reviewed by payers. The payment methodology for a procedure submitted under a Category III CPT code varies. In some instances, private payers will calculate payment based on the amount charged on the claim. In other cases, payment will be determined by comparing work involved with the iStent to other similar procedures.
Payment rates for specific CPT codes may be obtained from the payer’s published physician fee schedule or by contacting the payer directly.
Facility Payment
Individual private payers will employ their own methodology to determine payment amounts for facility services based on the CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS codes billed on the claim. Facility billing departments should check service contracts with individual private payers or contact each payer directly to verify applicable reimbursement methodologies and/or amounts for the iStent implantation, the associated cataract procedure and for the iStent device itself. As with Medicare, it is important that facilities
Setting Charges
Providers must determine a charge for Category III CPT codes. There are many variables that may account for the determination of a charge for a particular service, which should all be addressed when submitting claims. For example, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggests providers consider the following when establishing a charge to submit for a Category III CPT code:
Time, effort, equipment, RVUs, and cost related to geographic variability of the procedure
Referencing another CPT code of similar complexity to that of the procedure
Comparing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative services to those of a similar procedure
Contrasting factors that differentiate the services (more difficult or less difficult) and setting the charges accordingly6
Furthermore, the Practice Management Information Corporation7 suggests that the following additional resources may also be helpful when determining appropriate charges:
Payer policies
Current coding books
Relative value data for existing Category I CPT codes
Medicare Fee Schedules for existing Category I CPT codes
Whichever process the provider uses, it should be described in the supporting documentation that accompanies the claim.
6
LeGrand, Mary. Category III Code Updates. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2008). http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/nov08/managing1.asp
7
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I tell whether a private payer will cover the iStent implantation procedure? I can’t tell from their coverage policies.
A1. When it is unclear whether a private payer will cover the iStent, the provider should obtain prior authorization for the patient’s iStent implantation procedure.
Q2. How can I tell whether Medicare will cover the iStent implantation procedure? I can’t tell from their local coverage determinations.
A2. Since Medicare does not have a definitive process wherein they review prior authorization requests, it is up to the provider to determine coverage guidelines either by checking the payer’s website or contacting the payer directly. Currently, all Medicare Administrative Contractors, at minimum, cover iStent implantation in conjunction with routine cataract surgery (CPT Code 66984) for patients diagnosed with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (ICD-9 Code 365.11). Providers should contact their local Medicare contractor to determine coverage guidelines for other types of cataract surgery and other diagnosis codes.
Finally, please check with your Glaukos Regional Business Manager for the most current information regarding coverage for iStent implantation by your local Medicare contractor.
Q3. Can I bill for the implant of the iStent (0191T) and cataract surgery (66982, 66983 or 66984) on the same day for the same patient?
A3. The National Medicare Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits do not prohibit billing 0191T and 66982, 66983 or 66984 on the same day for the same patient.
Q4. My claim for the iStent procedure was denied. What should I do?
A4. Since Category III CPT codes represent newer – and lesser-known – technologies, payers may request additional documentation showing medical necessity before paying a claim with a Category III CPT code.
Providers should pursue an appeal via the appeals process, which usually involves providing product information, clinical literature, and an explanation describing why the procedure was medically necessary for the patient. Contact the payer in question to get information on their appeals process and the materials they require to show medical necessity.
To see whether you qualify for Glaukos assistance with your iStent medical necessity appeal, contact your Glaukos Regional Business Manager.
Q5. How do I bill Medicare for the iStent when used in the hospital outpatient setting of care?
A5. Hospital outpatient facilities should use revenue code 274 and HCPCS supply code C1783 on the UB-04 claim form to bill for the iStent in this setting. Medicare reimbursement for hospital
Q6. What diagnosis codes are covered for use with the iStent? I have a patient who I think would be a good candidate but I don’t know whether his condition would result in on- or off-label use of the iStent.
A6. Providers should check with a patient’s insurer to determine which indications are currently covered, and the appropriate course of action when submitting claims for non-covered indications.
Q7. What procedure code should I use to report the implantation of the iStent?
A7. Providers should bill for the iStent implantation procedure using the Category III CPT code 0191T. As payers typically flag claims with Category III CPT codes for manual review, you should be prepared to provide product information, clinical literature, and an explanation describing why the procedure was medically necessary for the patient.
Q8 Do I need to use Modifier -51 or -59 to indicate that multiple procedures were performed during the surgical session?
A8. Modifier -51 is not applicable for outpatient hospitals and ASCs under Medicare8
;
however, Modifier -51 may be applicable for use on the physician claim. Providers should always checkwith payer for local guidance on the proper use of modifiers.
Modifier -59 is used in circumstances that require the provider to indicate when separate
procedures are performed on more than one anatomical location/site of the body.9 This modifier would not be appropriate when billing for cataract surgery and the iStent procedure. Providers
should always check with payer for local guidance on the proper use of modifiers.
Using modifiers, when it is not necessary, may actually be an impediment to prompt claims payment.
8
CPT Assistant, Coding Communication: Hospital Outpatient Reporting Part V, Use of CPT Modifiers 25, 27, 50,
-51 and HCPCS Level II Modifiers, May 2003 9
